Firm makes tools in exacting proportions

"Basically, most of what the air touches as it travels through the jet engine is starting to be made from composites," Muir said.

"Jet engine manufacturers are changing the whole dynamic of how engines operate by significantly increasing their air flow. In many cases, it will be cost effective to tear existing engines off jets and replace them with composite jet engines."

In another new product area, Paragon has gained the security designation needed to produce a patented barrel designed for the secure transfer of nuclear waste.

"We are ramping up that production with the expectation that more barrels will be used," Muir said. "With our new designation that is well above and beyond even aerospace requirements, we are capable of doing any type of nuclear work."

Paragon has been in Muir's family since 1962, when his late grandfather, Fred M. Keller, purchased the company and its debt for one dollar. Over the years, Paragon has gone from metal die casting to plastic injection molding to its current expertise in high-strength composites.

"There's a real 'wow' factor to the type of work we are doing here — a continuation of the can-do attitude that was established 50 years ago by my grandfather and the skilled machinists he attracted to company," Muir says.

"When I look how far we've come, I think that my grandfather would be pleased with what we've accomplished."